I used to be a Star Trek fan

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I am still Star Trek fan and well, it can be childlish, mostly if you ignore reality because of it, I suppose.

Star Trek had a postive effect on our culture. It was a bold series back when it started and, of course, after time passes, some of it is bound to be a little hokey.

Don't stop liking star trek because you run into one persons interpretation of it that you do not like In the library there are tons of books with tons of articles offering sociological, religious, political etc... interpretations on all aspects of Star Trek, some talk about race issues here and there, another will interpret the same episode as not about racial tension in the 1980’s but as a parable for the feminist dilemma in the 90’s etc… even the creator or writers have no right to offer an interpretation, as the ‘death of the author’ theory attests to, writers themselves create works that are products of their time and zeitgeist, its all fair game for viewers interpretations.

Basically, its a work of art, it has its own life and is subject, like all art, mythologies, fairy tales etc... to myriad viewpoints. One professor or persons interpretation can create a lousy memory - but it should not effect how you think of the show as a whole. Star Trek (especially, TNG and at least until Enterprise) has had some of the best writing in television history, it has explored so many issues and themes other shows at the time would never touch. It also tackled themes intelligently,and now that sensitive issues such as race, sexuality and certain politics are openly discussed they are often exploited in a crude, voyeuristic or overtly sexualized or bombastic ridiculous way, I’m thinking of shows like L&Order SVU, this is sensationalism not engaging to the mind and imagination in any way as ST was and still is.

It is different (its more theatrical, which is why it attracts so many stage or Shakespearian actors) than other shows, which makes it seem 'childish' to some, but its just a different format - and like mythology it deals more with archetypes and motifs, tackling issues that have broader, less specific more universal themes than in say Law and Order... its just a whole different mode of television. It will for instance, take on tyranny or utopias... the concept as a whole. There are many complex things for instance in the first two episodes of TNG Farpoint station, you could see this as a political analogy, or as an analogy of psychological states etc… But the science fiction aspect and the dramatic nature of the themes does not mean its simple – its not childish, or good or bad etc... just different.

How much depth and meaning is derived from it depends on the viewer and what they bring to the table, much like Shakespeare which is also strongly thematic and archetypal. Its saying less and leaving more to the viewers interpretation that generates so much growth and evolution of it creatively with the viewers. Look at how much is written on both Shakespeare and Star Trek for instance, its because it leaves so much to the imagination, (it does not patronize the audience by explaining everything) people aren't writing books interpreting CSI. It allows for speculation...

If you stop liking the show because you listen to what someone else’s imagination or intelligence has come up as a literal truth, instead of an interesting take, one of many, your denying yourself the fun of partaking in the ever-growing, evolving and interactive mythology of the show and your also being silly... and childish.

What I like most in Star Trek is the way people talk to each other. I can live like that. Actually, I should say, I could function better if people would be like that NOW.

The talking part yes, I agree. Same with lot of tv shows actually...

hi nory I really think you make some interesting points and would love to read what you have to say in detail.

But being in one huge block on the computer screen, it kind of hurts my eyes.

Me, I would never stop liking something 'cos of what other people think. I mean, I'm up against an entire family of non-Trek people here!

nory, as ping-machine pointed out, your post could use some paragraphs. It would make your post a much more easier and pleasurable read. On the + slide, you sound like you know your stuff and I agree with pretty much all of it.

Edit:

When Mum was doing her BA back in the 80's, she dared to suggest to one of her lecturers that Star Trek's impact on popular culture could be compared to Shakespeare's. She wasn't popular for saying it, but I don't think she was wrong.

Hi guys!!

I think my post came off too strong, I think that’s the problem with typing things it can come out quite deadpan when it wasn't at all intended to be! Its not really directed at any one person at all, just some of the comments, yes maybe the professor one more than others, because it hits home with me... maybe because I've read some of the scholarly books some of them with interpretations of the show (all conflicting) that can really be negative. I once had a TA who said ST (TOS) ruined her whole life as a youth and gave a whole slide show of all the scenes etc... in question, to back it up - now that I think about it that lecture had nothing to do with Urban geography, which is what the course was. Now whenever I see the show, I think of that and that’s annoying.

So maybe because I have that tendency myself, to take things too personally or let someone’s opinion of something I like impact me and my enjoyment of a TV show too much - I went too far and my post came off as way too vehement. It's silly to write all that and not have it come off with even the tiniest amount of humor! I should work on that.

Thanks for the advice, I will start writing in paragraphs, and also thanks for the feedback... re: the mother that did not get good input after comparing Star Trek to Shakespeare, (its so cool she made that comparison too!) but the response - that is ridiculous. Its so like academia though - they have a weird way of loving it when they themselves comment on pop culture, but then judge or dismiss others for doing the same thing. I managed to include ST in my academic work once. I tried once to write about Smallville - no go. Despite the fact that the proffessors there wrote extensively about Buffy the Vampire Slayer and X Files.

I think if you frame anything in pop culture along lines of negative criticism involving race, post-colonialism or feminism your accepted and its all great, but if you try to say anything actually positive or otherwise interesting or newabout pop culture they just don't know how to frame it in their minds, so reject it.

Also theres the whole thing about "writing as a fan", its a big debate, can you or can't you... ultimatly, I think they don't like it -If it seems you actually like the subject they stomp on it...